Stephen King really needs no introduction. Bursting onto the scene in the 1970s with Carrie quickly propelled him to instant stardom, and the subsequent film adaptation of Carrie cemented his position as the Master of Horror.

Today, Stephen doesn’t like to be called a “horror writer” because he sees himself simply as “a writer.” Given the release of the last half dozen books, you’d have to agree that he doesn’t always write horror. With films like The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile emerging from his books, it is clear that his talents are far more diverse than horror story. Although, I have to admit, I am a huge fan of his previous work. I still love his recent novels because, for me, it shows how he has matured as a writer and I think a writer has something new to learn every day. Every day is a school day.

I think it’s a shame his mother wasn’t around to see how successful he is. Sometimes she would run out of food just so she could send him some money while he was in college. It really shows how dedicated she was for him to get it right. Although she knew about the publication of her first novel, it is unfortunate that she could not stay with him to share in its success.

There are many literary and critical writers who do not like Stephen King’s work, just because they think he is only looking for money. As a writer, any writer, that’s an insult. Writers write simply because they enjoy the work, they enjoy the creative process, and they have fun following the characters and finding out what happens in the end. I know many writers who are not making millions from their work, but they still love to tell a story.

The Stand is probably King’s most beloved work, detailing the end of the world through a super flu. Most of today’s stories involve an asteroid or climate change leading to dramatic changes in the weather and natural disasters.

The best thing about The Stand is that it revolves around normal people like you and me who are in abnormal circumstances. 99% of the world’s population has died from this super flu called Captain Trips, leaving the few survivors to face the new post-apocalyptic world. However, they are not the only things that walk the Earth. Randall Flagg, the prince of evil, rallies his followers in the west, while all those on the side of good flock to Mother Abigail. Sooner or later, the two sides must meet in what can only be described as a gripping climax.

Stephen’s use of the images in the book is among the best ever and will leave a lasting impression for years to come.